Mention common core, and you’ll get a wide range of comments–some supportive and some not so much. I recently read a comment that the common core standards are not developmentally appropriate. The specific standard the author was referring to was the Kindergarten standard stating that students should fluently add and subtract within 5. I have to respectfully disagree, but I think it’s all in how you interpret that standard. I believe the author of the comment envisioned teachers drilling Kinder babies with traditional flashcards. That’s not how I interpret that standard at all. When students work with concrete materials to explore number combinations to 5, they are developing fluency. When they work with dot cards and five- or ten-frames, they are becoming fluent. So, to me, it’s all in the instructional method. Check out these two freebies for developing fluency within 5 and 10.
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| Dot cards |
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| Exploring 5 Sort |
You might also like:
Composing and Decomposing Numbers with Dot Cards
Common Core, Number Bonds Bundle
I completely agree with you! I have been in Common Core training the last few months and I really think they are going to be good when we start implementing in Florida next year. We use 5 and 10 frames every day and my kids’ fluency is amazing! I have not gotten as comfortable yet with dot cards but I’m getting there.
OMGosh, the dot cards are wonderful. My Kinder teachers have them laminated and on a ring. The kids LOVE to do them! It’s fascinating to me to hear all the different ways they “see” the numbers.
Thanks for these Donna! I am going to use them with my own son and my class! Double bonus!!!! I think the common core will be great too!!! I like the concept of teaching less and going deeper!!!!
Hay, Amy! Good to hear from you! Looking forward to hearing how your kiddos like them!
Donna, I think you’re absolutely correct. I’ve been in Common Core training and am in my Mathematics EdS classes where we are learning that the traditional way of drill and kill is not appropriate until students have relational understanding of the how and why!! I’ve already implemented much of the number talks and there IS a HUGE difference in their number sense!!!
If teachers don’t buy into this, it may turn into the “New Math” of the mid-1900’s. We have to grow and change with the needs of our students:) Thanks!
Sandra, I love the strong math behind the standards. While I’m in Texas, which is not common core, our teachers are teaching with more of an emphasis on numeracy, and it’s an amazing thing to watch!
I was a little skeptical myself when I read these Kindergarten standards. But since I’ve been working with my students on adding and subtracting, they meet the challenge. They enjoy the challenge and we use ten frames like crazy to show numbers. Thanks for sharing this activity. I really enjoy reading your blog.
Ms. Kerri and her Krazy Kindergarten
I think you’re right! The kids will definitely rise to the challenge, and they love it.
Hi! I am your newest follower! I found you through TBTS!
April
Wolfelicious
Hey, April!! Welcome!
I’m glad I’ve recenlty found your blog. I went to a common core training a few weeks ago and I’m presenting what I learned to my kinder and 1st grade teacher on Monday. I think they will mostly open to this way of thinking about math and instruction, but I’m sure there will be questions. I may be coming back to you for ideas!
F is For First Grade
oops- teachers (more than one!)
My teachers love it, and so do the kids! Good luck with your presentation.